BioControl Systems Lightning MVP cleaning verification

Portable ATP bioluminescent-based tests are very common in many food processing plants, and the test is now a widely recognised method for rapid hygiene testing. However, not all ATP systems are the same, and some may provide false and variable results. Potential sources of variability include the luminometer, temperature, sanitiser residues, storage condition of the swabs and operator technique.

The BioControl Systems Lightning MVP is designed to overcome these problems through both the instrument and the swabs. The Lightning MVP utilises a photomultiplier tube which amplifies the signal and is claimed to provide more sensitive readings than those instruments which implement a photodiode. Also, since temperature will affect the strength of the ATP reaction, the Lightning MVP will compensate for this.

Sanitiser residues are commonly encountered during sampling, which are known for their quenching effect on ATP reactions. To avoid false low readings the Lightning Swabs incorporate a neutraliser which helps eliminate this problem.

Lightning Swabs have a long shelf life of up to 12 months and do not require refrigeration.

Possibly one of the greatest sources of variability is operator technique. The design of the Lightning Swab helps to minimise this effect and provide highly repeatable results.